I have an extremely capable, smart, talented and fabulously busy friend who holds several important executive positions and who is looking to refresh her professional wardrobe. She hates to waste time shopping.

Does anyone know of any websites or blogs that would have lots and lots of pictures of what the well-dressed woman executive 50+ is wearing now? Not talking just office-wear here, but women at top levels of corporate governance. We need inspiration. Something that shows current and next-season styles and colors would be a bonus. My friend's style is classic, but not boring.

The audience is generally women in the late 20s to 40s, but Corporette aims to fill this niche. Not just suits but separates and biz-cas as well. The picks can be sometimes get a little fashion-y, but the commenters keep the blogger honest (she quit her law career to run the blog).

The commenters at Corporette are all big fans of Nordstrom's personal shopping service. No charge for the service; the salesperson works on commission but nobody has ever noted undue pressure to buy. If your friend's budget is Nordstrom level, this would be worth a try. Most who have done it comment at the unusual choices that end up being interesting and flattering.

More magazine is targeted at that demographic, and has articles on fashion that could be useful. A few months ago, they had some really high powered women as a feature, so she should check their recent archives as well as current articles.

Thank you, simplystitches and nicegirl -- both of these sites look very helpful -- lots of pictures!

And my friend has easy access to a Nordstrom, so their personal shopper is something to look into. The lack of pressure would be key: It's hard enough sometimes to figure out if you think something looks good on you and if it suits your style, without feeling like someone else has a stake in your decision.

I am a bit extreme, but with the introduction of the self-check machine in grocery store I was so pleased that I would *never* have to interact with a store employee ever. So I get it.

Keep in mind that even if she does end up buying something she later decides she doesn't like, Nordstrom has an incredible return policy.

If she decides to go this route, I'd recommend leaving a comment on Corporette identifying the specific Nordstrom location and asking if any commenters have experience with the personal shoppers there. You might get a recommendation for someone who is good with professional women.

Most of the young--and thin--women on national news shows
are wearing solid-color sheaths or a pencil skirt with crisp blouse.
Notice Diane Sawyer only wears solid neutrals except for a little color in a rich stripe or textured blouse. Only small earrings, no other jewelry.

I'm glad the days of poly pantsuits and man-shirts are behind us-- working in small offices or teaching didn't demand costly dressing.

A friend who works for a non-profit has to schmooze at fund-raisers with the moneyed crowd. She wears mainly separates, but sometimes the prints available in tops are so loud, it takes away from her message. Maybe stick to scarves for color?

Quote: marjoriekh Thanks -- I'm over at Corporette trying to figure out where to post that right now.

At this point it's probably better to wait for Tuesday. You can post on the Weekend Open Thread (there are no posts over the weekend), but I imagine it's pretty huge at this point. If you don't get responses, it's not bad etiquette to re-post. I say Tuesday because Monday is a federal holiday, so the threads might be quieter than usual. In general, just comment on the most recent item posted--bonus if you can get there when there are only a few comments posted already so yours will be seen.

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